Thursday, March 25, 2010

NEW YORK, NY (March 24, 2010) - Can the 2010 Census change the perception of African Americans (AA) who traditionally distrust Uncle Sam? A $300 million effort, the largest advertising campaign in U.S. government history, plans to do just that by enlisting the help of Grammy award winning recording artist, actor and entrepreneur, Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges who will explain the importance of taking 10 minutes to fill out 10 questions on the Census to young AAs to ensure that their communities receive part of a $400B allotment every year, of federal support. These dollars help maintain bridges, tunnels and public works, emergency services, schools, and job training using Census numbers that stand for 10 years!

Combining star power and credibility, Ludacris will use his voice to reinforce the importance of ‘being counted’ to his fans. “I look at our communities now and I see many empty lots, closed clinics, dilapidated schools and an overall breakdown of social services for the poor and elderly,” says Ludacris. “Today is a day for change. I plan to knock on doors in various neighborhoods around this country to try and dispel any myths about the Census. It’s important that we all stand up and be counted so we can help create potential financial opportunities for our dying communities.”

DraftFCB NY, the lead agency for the 2010 Census Communications Campaign, has enlisted Globalhue advertising agency (GH), along with production and digital marketer RC-CP, and Disturbing the Peace Records (DTP), to effectively reach the vast nationalities representing the black Diaspora; including the AA, African, Caribbean and Haitian audiences.

To create awareness and motivate this elusive, hard to count demographic who are young, single males (AA males tend to be the most undercounted in the AA community), indifferent females (single with children), the poor and underprivileged, people with criminal issues, and immigrants, this "Viral/Ludacris Webisode" campaign will run from March through April. The outreach includes radio broadcast media, a tour, and a national viral webisode campaign featuring Ludacris.

The 2010 Census ‘Luda on the Block’ radio and home visit tour is slated to hit 5 nationwide AA targeted destinations: (Dallas 3/19, New Orleans 3/23, NYC 4/5, Washington, DC 4/6 and Atlanta 4/9). It gives Ludacris fans an opportunity to log on to participating radio station websites and write how their neighborhoods could benefit from 2010 Census funding. Some fans will be given a chance to meet and discuss the 2010 Census with him in person.Source and photo: Globalhue

In related Census news, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's Unity Diaspora Coalition (UDC) Announces the Census Poster and Social Media Competition for Youth and Young Adults:

Talented R&B/hip-hop artist/producer/singer and son of music icon Stevie Wonder, Mumtaz Ekow Morris, and music video director, Dennis Mckinley, will join representatives from community based organizations as judges for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's Unity Diaspora Coalition (UDC) Census Poster and Social Media Competition.

The National Coalition's UDC is sponsoring the competition in cities where they have Census activities on the ground working to decrease the undercount of the Black population, says executive director and CEO Melanie L. Campbell. Participating cities are: Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Gary, IN; Houston, TX; Jackson, MS; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; and New York, NY.

Campbell adds, "The competition provides an opportunity for parents, educators, service providers, clergy, and youth organizers to help young people understand the importance of the Census with a civic activity that is educational and fun."

Participants can use any talent to communicate the importance of the Census and encourage people to return their Census form. Poems, posters, paintings, spoken word, songs, YouTube videos, comedy skits, rap, and other artistic expression is eligible. Students and young adults have until April 16, 2010 to enter the competition and must live in one of the cities listed above.

Judges will select five local winners from each participating city including: elementary, middle school, high school, undergraduate, and young adult categories. Local winners will receive a certificate of recognition and a $25 - $100 gift card and will be entered into the UDC Census Poster and Social Media Competition. Five national winners will be selected from the local winners. National prizes include a $1,000 scholarship, $500 gift card, laptops and a Nintendo WII Sport.

"I am eager to check out the creative ideas from talented young people," said McKinley. "I hope to see some captivating viral campaigns that will motivate young people to be civically engaged and persuade their parents to return their Census form," adds the director of Travis Porter's hit single "Go Shorty Go," voted the number one song in Atlanta two weeks in a row.

"I am honored to be a part of this campaign and assist in judging the entries," cites Mumtaz, whose debut single "Do It Well," featuring Snoop Dogg drops in April. "We all need to stand up and be counted in the 2010 Census and I look forward to reviewing the entries while helping to expose new talent."

The Unity Diaspora Coalition is an initiative of The National Coalition that brings together organizations representing Caribbean, Afro Latino, African, and African American communities. In addition to urging the Black population to mail in their completed census survey to decrease the under-count of the Black population, their goal is to demonstrate unity among Blacks of the Diaspora.